Mia Barham - Earth Songs (2022)

“One of the most rewarding aspects of working in music education is observing the emergence and subsequent development of exciting new talents as they begin their journey in the broader music community - this has certainly been the case with saxophonist/ flautist Mia Barham and trumpeter Ashley Ballat. From the very first notes I heard them play, the beginnings of their distinctive sounds and compositional approaches were apparent, and their passion for music and creativity was evident. It's with great satisfaction that I sit here now listening to the sublime debut recording, 'Earth Songs', by the Mia Barham Quartet. In addition to Barham and Ballat, the quartet features sensitive and dynamic playing by pianist Ayda Akbal and bassist Blakely Mclean Davies. 'Earth Songs' features nine compositions by Barham that fit together as a complementary music continuum - often reminiscent of soundscapes, featuring unhurried, spacious, evocative and powerful journeys where the collective ensemble intent never wavers from keeping the essence of the music as the central objective. I hope you derive as much pleasure as I do listening to this impressive debut!” - Dr Paul Williamson (jazz trumpeter, composer & Convenor of Jazz at Monash University School of Music and Performance).